The Penn's Grove record., 1887-08-27

ft from the change, only l fear that IS
too much to expect. age cannot hope
to compete with youth"
with your permission, !" suggested
Major Henderson, "my niece and l
will accompany you to the Falls. They
are within a quarter of an hours walk
from here; and l can then give you a
few hints about the neighborhood as
we go along"
Mr.. Browne would only be too
pleased.
Maude walked on by her uncle's side
experiencing a mixture of joy and
alarm. She was so delighted to hear
that dear voice again; so fearful lest
her lovers stratagem should be dis
covered
Mr.. Browne noticed her agitation,
and was careful to divert Major Hen
derson's attention from his niece, in
case her confusion should betray the
secret. The trio had to cross a stream
by means of stepping stones. The
stranger offered to assist Maude. Man.
aging to keep his back to Major Hen
derson, Mr.. Browne, alias Lieutenant
Mapleson, tenderly pressed Maude's
yielding hand and with a word OF ex-
preston III his blue eyes whispered:
'Be careful, my darling, and all Will
yet be well with u.s."
The next morning Mr.. Browne called
on Major Henderson. 81 have just
received these, and / thought you would
perhaps like to look at them," he said,
producing a packet of periodicals.
Major Henderson was glad to avail
himself of the offer, as current liteature
was rather difficult to procure in SO
out-of-the-way place.
After a little further conversation,
Mr.. Browne was asked If he would care
to Join the uncle and niece in their
morning ramble. Again he would be
only too pleased.
When the trio had gone some dis
lance, Major Henderson, wishing to
enjoy a quiet half-hour read, suggested
that he should sit down and rest a lit
tie, while Maude conducted MI. Browne
to a spot close by whence a good view
Of Snowden could be obtained.
81 would fain, like you, rest a
while,n replied Mr.. Browne; ''but as
the day is so unusually clear l feel L
must make an effort to AXE advantage
OF 1t, especially as this young lady has
so kindly consented to act asmy guide"
And SO Mr.. Browne hobbled of, with
Maude walking patiently beside him.
As soon as the trees had hidden the
10, els from view Jack drew Maude to
him, while she, half laughing and half
crying, stroked his long gray beard.
"Oh, Jack, whatever made you come
like tins. What do you intend to do?''
"This, my sweetest" and the bold
lover drew from his pocket a marriage
license and a wedding ring. Half
playfuily the gallant Lieutenant re-
moved, Maude's glove and slipped on
the ring. "WhaJ a dear little hand it
looksl" he cried rapturously, "and how
happy / shall be when l can call Its
dear owner my sweet little wife,"
A slight sound fell on their ears, and
looking up they beheld Major Hender-
son not a hundred yards of.
Maude would have been grateful to
the earth had it opened at that moment
to receive her, but as it showed no
signs OF accommodating her. she dis
engaged herself from Mr.. Brownies
embrace and hastily banded him back
the ring.
Mr., Browne was equal to the occa-
sion, although he had grave mlsgivings,
as he bobbled toward Major Hender-
son. "Were you Fastening to join usl
You see we haven't got far. 1 am a
wretched walker at the best of times;
and in such scenery al this, m feels
forced to pau-e frequently to look
around.n
81 expected to meet you coming
back" explained the Major. "But l
was looking for you in that direction, y
indicating another path more to the
right. II was quite surprised when ]
saw you coming toward me-"
With what fe lings of relief did the
lovers listen to the Majors innocent
remarks.
AT their early dinner the Major drew
from his pocket a letter which he had
received by the mornings post and had
forgotten to read. With a polite Sex
cuse me, my DEAR" to his niece, he
hastily glanced at the contents. "1must
leave for London by the IL O'Clock
train tomorrow morning." he ex-
claimed. ''This letter IS of the utmost
Importance. How stupid of me to have
delayed reading it'll
"Am l to accompany you, nnclef'
asked Maude family.
mo, no, my dear; there's no need for
you to do that. II shall be back here
by the evening of the following day."
The Major was very ~preoccupied
until dinner was over, but as Maude
had also much food for reflection,
silence was agreeable to both.
II wonder If | could do anything for
Mr.. Browne while l am In townl''
queried the Major. "My DEAR turn
ing to Maude, ..just write a little note
to him asking him to step over for q
minute. You know we half promised
to show him the way to Fairy Glen
this afternoon. I don't feel inclined
Tor any more walking myself, but there
is no reason why you shouldn't accom-
pany him, If you are not tired and he is
agreeable to the arrangement"
Maude's note quickly brought Mr..
Browne, and the lovers were soon on
their way to FAIRY Glen.
My darling. We are in luck's wayl'
exclaimed Jack. "Your uncle's alb
sence will make matters as plain as an
A B G guide. shall have tomorrow
to make the necessary arrangements.
We can be married the following morn.
ing, and by the time your uncle returns
IN the evening We shall be miles away
from here"
Maude acquiesced rather reluctantly.
She loved Jack dearly; but still she had
some conjunction about deceiving her
uncle, who, with the exception of the
unaccountable o~bstinacy she had shown
toward her lover, had always been
ready to humor her. Jack, however
drew such a glowing picture of the
happiness in store for them and declared
with 10 much confidence Major Hen
derson's anger would not last more
than three weeks when onee the IRE
vocable step was taken that Mande wa;
much comforted.
When they returned Major Hender
son pressed Mr.. Browne to spend th'
evening at Honeysuckle Cottage. Tel
being over, the Major asked Maude Il